If I didn't know the history I'd say this was a good work of fiction - but it was there - and could easily return.

Under that scenario a shotgun would be my weapon of choice.

Bill:

All too real. Thank G-d I keep a diary or I'd think it was a bad dream.

Zero experience with shotguns. I am very comfortable with my Springfield .45.

The shotgun is a much more versatile platform, but the .45 conceals much better! Personally, I think everyone should know how to handle a rifle, shotgun and a pistol... but that's just my opinion. I doubt Obama is going to make it the law of the land.

Joe

One of the best times I had was some years ago at a Republican fundraiser - at a small ranch. We had trap shooting, fine cigars and scotch (not all at once ;-))

While I don't smoke adding the vice seemed to be the thing to do at the time ;-)

Another good time - a friend of mine got me an invitation to a friend's ranch - he would have an annual "weekend shotgun" competition - picture this - a line of men (with a few women scattered in too) - and a clay pigeon was launched. If it was your turn, and you missed - and the next guy got it - you were out.

This was years ago (they haven't had the event recently) but I still remember how much fun it was.

A lot of women who are uncomfortable with a 12 guage are fine with a 20 guage (a bit smaller bore).

Nobody seems to think of a shotgun as a defensive weapon - heck the thing can blow a hole in your door or wall - but its range isn't far - maybe 50 yards - well, I am babbling too much now but you got one of my hot buttons Robert ;-)

The Remington 870 is the "Chevy" of pump shotguns - it has been around for 50 years - standard issue to law enforcement and military and duck hunters alike - there are finer shotguns - trying to think of the English shotgun that is made to order - but the 870 is tough, fairly inexpensive and everywhere.

Did you write a movie about it?

I also vote shotgun. It's a lot safer (less likely to shoot through the sheetrock and hurt people you don't want to hurt), and sounds scary to people who thought they'd found unarmed prey. Plus, you're less likely to miss even with adrenaline running through your system, as it's a long gun that will shoot straighter than a pistol. Consider a short, legal barrel (the sawed off ones aren't safe or accurate). I liked my point man to carry one when I was spending time in the jungle.

But I would prefer to avoid being on the wrong end of you when you're using a .45, too! Even a .22, for that matter, because training and mindset trumps hardware every time, and nobody smart wants to get between you and your family!

Virgil

Batya:

Nope, never wrote a movie about the riots. The movie I'd write would not be PC and would never get produced.

Virgil:

I'm now quite curious about the shotgun. But I have to tell you that my Springfield .45 is like part of my body. I know it as well as I know, well, Karen.

Okay, not quite.

And I'm pretty good with it, so I can't really see abandoning it in favor of a shotgun.

Robert:

We can disagree! You should use the weapon you're most comfortable with. Fact remains, regardless of what you're carrying, I pity anybody coming at you with ill intent.

Best,
Virgil